Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, has called for the suspension of #EndSARS protest to allow the government take action.
Akeredolu stated this on Sunday, October 18, during a visit to his Osun State counterpart, Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the Government House, Osogbo, following an attack on him by suspected thugs in Osogbo, the Osun State Capital on Saturday.
Governor Akeredolu who had earlier condemned the attack by suspected hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSars protest, describing it as most disturbing, said everyone must come together and condemn the attack.
He appealed to the protesting youths to suspend the protest for now and allow Government look into their demands.
Declaring his support for the #EndSars protest and the right of the people to protest, the Governor expressed worry that the genuine youths have been infiltrated by hoodlums who are ready to hijack the peaceful protest to unleash violence.
”Yesterday’s incident was most disturbing. It was unfortunate. It’s a development that all of us must condemn. it’s mostly an act of terrorism. When I saw it, I felt very bad. I felt I should come today to solidarize with you. We thank God for sparing your life. Valuables must have been lost, but we thank God for your life,” he said.
The Governor also commended the security team of Governor Oyetola for being able to handle the situation despite the attack.
“We thank God for the security team of the Governor for being able to manage the situation. It could have led to something else but for the way the Governor’s security team handled the situation,”
Akeredolu said: “The agitation of the #Endsars protesters is right , and we are not saying it’s unfounded, if I have my way I would be with them every other day. What they are protesting is what Fela Anikulapo called Sorrow, Tears and Blood. We are not condemning #EndSars demonstration. But for now, why don’t we suspend it and allow government to take actions.
“I appeal to the youths on the street to give government time. You can give us ultimatum. I want to use this medium to appeal to them. Their rank and file is being infiltrated by thugs and hoodlums. When people hijack #EndSars protest, it could be catastrophic. What happened in Osun can not be protest. It should be condemned. I’m happy my brother is alive and well.” he added.
Responding, Governor Oyetola said the #EndSars protest has gone beyond what’s expected, adding that although protest is legitimate but hoodlums and political thugs have hijacked it from the genuine youths.
